Belt cleaning apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus for cleaning particulate material including coal particles and dust from a flexible belt of the type which is adapted to transport material such as coal on its material-supporting surface and which is of a composition which has and is subject to the development of surface cracks. The belt is advanced lengthwise along a predetermined path on its return run with the material-supporting surface on the underside. A scraper blade is supported crosswise of the belt in scraping contact with the material-supporting surface of the belt as the belt is advanced. Liquid is sprayed against the material-supporting surface of the belt and into the surface cracks adjacent to the point of contact of the scraping edge. The liquid is sprayed against a surface of the blade to be deflected into the cracks and also to maintain the blade in a clean condition. A backing member holds the belt down in contact with the scraper blade.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Apparatus for cleaning particulate material including dust from an elongated flexible belt of the type which is adapted to transport material such as coal on its material-supporting surface and which is of a composition which has surface cracks and collects such material in said cracks, comprising means for advancing said belt lengthwise along a predetermined path, a scraper blade having a scraping edge, means for supporting said scraper blade so that its scraping edge extends crosswise of the belt in scraping contact with the material-supporting surface of the belt as the belt is advanced, and means for directing liquid against the material-supporting surface of the belt and into the surface cracks adjacent to the point of contact of said scraping edge, said liquid-directing means comprising a liquid-deflecting surface of said scraper blade extending away from said scraping edge, and nozzle means for discharging said liquid against said liquid-deflecting surface to be deflected against the material-supporting surface of said belt as aforesaid. 
     
     
       2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said liquid impinges on said material-supporting surface of said belt at substantially a right angle thereto. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including means downstream from said scraper blade for squeezing water and particulate material out of the belt. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, and further comprising a backing member engaging the side of said belt opposite its material-supporting surface adjacent the point of contact of said scraping edge of said scraper blade therewith. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said backing member is a V-shaped plow scraper. 
     
     
       6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5, and further including means for spraying liquid on said opposite surface of said belt in advance of said backing member. 
     
     
       7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, and further including means for directing liquid against the material-supporting surface of the belt upstream of the point of contact of said scraping edge of said scraper blade therewith. 
     
     
       8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including means downstream from said scraper blade for squeezing water and particulate material out of the belt. 
     
     
       9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said squeezing means comprises a roller. 
     
     
       10. Apparatus for cleaning particulate material including dust and dirt from an elongated flexible belt of the type which is adapted to transport material such as coal on its material-supporting surface and which is of a composition which has surface cracks, comprising means for advancing said belt lengthwise along a predetermined path on its return run with its material-supporting surface on the underside, a scraper blade having a scraping edge, means for supporting said scraper blade beneath said belt so that its scraping edge extends crosswise of the belt in scraping contact with the material-supporting surface of the belt as the belt is advanced, and means for directing liquid against the material-supporting surface of the belt and into the surface cracks adjacent the point of contact of said scraping edge, said liquid-directing means comprising a liquid-deflecting surface of said scraper blade extending away from said scraping edge, and nozzle means for discharging said liquid against said liquid-deflecting surface to be deflected against the material-supporting surface of said belt at substantially a right angle thereto and to keep the blade clean and prevent an accumulation of particulate material thereon. 
     
     
       11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10, and further including means for directing liquid against the material-supporting surface of the belt upstream of the point of contact of said scraping edge of said scraper blade therewith. 
     
     
       12. Apparatus as defined in claim 11, and further including a backing member engaging the side of said belt opposite its material-supporting surface adjacent the point of contact of said scraping edge of said scraper blade therewith. 
     
     
       13. Apparatus as defined in claim 12, and further comprising means for receiving liquid and drainage from said cleaning operation comprising a receptacle beneath said belt having a bottom wall provided with an outlet port, said bottom wall sloping downwardly toward said outlet port. 
     
     
       14. Apparatus as defined in claim 13, and further comprising means for directing a spray of liquid against said bottom wall to promote the flow of drainage toward said outlet port. 
     
     
       15. Apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein said bottom wall slopes in two planes at angle to the horizontal of greater than 10°. 
     
     
       16. Apparatus as defined in claim 15, including means downstream from said scraper blade for squeezing water and any remaining material out of the belt. 
     
     
       17. Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said squeezing means is a roller. 
     
     
       18. Apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said backing member is a V-shaped plow scraper. 
     
     
       19. Apparatus as defined in claim 18, and further including means for spraying liquid on said opposite surface of said belt in advance of said backing member. 
     
     
       20. Apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said nozzle means is adjustable to vary the angle of its discharge against said liquid deflecting surface.